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Department of Ecology News Release - May 28, 2009
09-125
OLYMPIA – The flames are now out, but responders from local fire and public health and the state Department of Ecology (Ecology) remain on the scene of what was a massive fire overnight at Cascade Structural Laminators in Chehalis.
Hot spots remain, according to Fire Chief Bud Goodwillie, and the fire department will keep at least one fire truck on scene. Environmental contractors continue to vacuum concentrations of chemicals and fire suppression foam from Dilleytwig Creek. Incident command staff are also bringing in aeration equipment to restore dissolved oxygen levels in the creek.
The fire was reported after 10 p.m. Wednesday and continued through the morning hours. Lewis County Fire District #6 responded to the call and contacted Ecology because chemicals were contained in the manufacturing facility.
It's estimated between 500 and 1,000 gallons (not pounds) of chemicals mixed with fire suppression water and washed into nearby drainage ditches and Dilleytwig Creek. The chemicals are used as a glue for the wood products manufactured at the facility. The chemical information sheets indicate exposure can cause irritation to eyes, nose, skin and lungs.
An environmental cleanup contractor, hired by Cascade Structural Laminators, has been on scene since early morning to remove contaminated creek water. Fire suppression foam contains chemicals that lower dissolved oxygen levels in water, which can threaten the ability of fish to breathe.
A team of natural resource experts from Ecology and state fish and wildlife walked the creek and nearby Dillenbaugh Creek to check for harm to water, wildlife and fish. Their early assessment found low levels of dissolved oxygen levels and lots of visible firefighting foam. The team found at least two dead stickleback fish.
Because creek visibility was limited by vegetation and foam, the team couldn’t tell how many more fish might also have died or be in distress. Ecology took water quality samples from several points for additional analysis.
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Media Contacts:
Kim Schmanke, Ecology media relations, 360-407-6239
Chief Goodwillie, Lewis County Fire, 360-269-2049
Marie Milliren, Lewis County Public Health, 360-740-1234
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
